Cab expected to propel new business forward.

A little innovation and a Christmas gift have turned into a potential business opportunity for two St. Charles entrepreneurs.

It all began when Leon Bedard, 64, co-owner of St. Charles Canvass Manufacturing, purchased an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) last fall. When the cold weather of the North started, he discovered it was not pleasant to drive around in the bitter elements. Bedard set out to find an enclosure to put over his four-wheeler and discovered the available products were unsatisfactory and decided to make his own.

He presently manufactures the cabs in a small building on his property in St. Charles.

"The caps on the market had small windows in the front and back and needed to be modified to suit the purpose," says Bedard.

So, calling on his mechanical background of almost 40 years, beset out to make his own.

"I made the frame and a friend made me a canvass cover to go over it as a Christmas present."

Out of this friendly gesture a business venture was formed and Bedard and his friend, Jeanine Johnson, became partners.

His mechanical experience was a good fit for the fabrication of the design of the cabs, he points out.

"I was a heavy-duty equipment mechanic, a diesel mechanic and I have experience in body work and painting," says Bedard. "You have to learn how to fabricate things in that line of work."

Bedard believes his design is an improvement over current models available.

"The difference is, this one offers more protection from the elements, it is better looking and has more visibility."

Bedard calls his design a comfort cab. The cab consists of steel frame work and a canvass cover, which goes over the frame and snaps on tight. Bedard manufactures the framework and Johnson does the canvass work.

The cab features windows all around, zipper doors and can be manufactured to fit on all four wheelers, with matching colour schemes. The cab is clamped on to existing framework and can easily be installed by anyone.

"You can even get one that is camouflaged, and it would make a great mobile hunting blind."

Bedard believes anyone with a four wheeler could utilize the cab.

"If you are snowplowing, ice fishing or hunting, you can get out of the rain, wind and snow and be warm because the heat of the motor warms you up."

The canvass material provides durability and flexibility.

"I have been all over the bush with it on and it protects you from branches."

Bedard has now started to market his cab.

"There are no official contracts yet, but two dealerships in Sudbury and Verner are interested in selling them."

Bedard has plans to contact the Honda manufacturer in California and discuss distribution options. Besides advertising locally, Bedard expects to put a salesperson on the road to push the product on all the ATV dealerships in the North.

"I think the potential is high for the cabs."

Bedard is taking orders right now and eventually, if there is a demand for the cabs, he hopes to employ people from the district. "I hope we can expand and hire local people to work in the business down the road if we get enough orders."